Nats say Scherzer will start opener, faces Mets ace deGrom

By: Chuck King, The Associated Press Posted: 5:21 PM CDT Monday, Mar. 11, 2019 Last Modified: 5:22 PM CDT Monday, Mar. 11, 2019

Advertise with us

JUPITER, Fla. - Nonchalantly, Washington manager Dave Martinez made official on Monday what most already assumed — ace Max Scherzer will be the first to get the ball for the Nationals.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

JUPITER, Fla. - Nonchalantly, Washington manager Dave Martinez made official on Monday what most already assumed — ace Max Scherzer will be the first to get the ball for the Nationals.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/03/2019 (2711 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

JUPITER, Fla. – Nonchalantly, Washington manager Dave Martinez made official on Monday what most already assumed — ace Max Scherzer will be the first to get the ball for the Nationals.

“I’m going to go out on a limb today and tell you that Max will be our opening day starter. How’s that?” Martinez said.

That sets up a marquee matchup March 28 at Nationals Park: Scherzer vs. Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers in the first inning during an exhibition spring training baseball game agains the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, March 11, 2019, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Between them, Scherzer and deGrom own four Cy Young awards, including the three most recent in the National League. Last year, the duo finished 1-2 in the voting, with deGrom claiming his first trophy.

Martinez made the announcement after Scherzer surrendered three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in 6 1/3 innings against St. Louis. Scherzer advanced his pitch total to 75, facing 23 batters.

The Nationals eschewed the designated hitter on Monday, allowing the 34-year-old Scherzer to bat for the second time this spring. This time, it nearly cost the Nationals dearly.

In the fifth inning, Jack Flaherty’s 3-2 inside fastball hit the nob of Scherzer’s bat and breezed along the fingers of his right hand. One pitch earlier, Scherzer glared at Flaherty following a high-and-tight fastball.

“I can understand that,” St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said.

Scherzer ultimately struck out, part of an 0-for-2 afternoon, ending the inning.

He emerged to pitch the bottom of the fifth and started the sixth before being removed after reaching his desired pitch count.

Scherzer posted an 18-7 record and a 2.53 ERA last season, striking out 300 in 220 2/3 innings. DeGrom’s 1.70 ERA made him the runaway choice for the Cy Young.